2004 Public Information Handbook

Dear Fellow Texans:

The public's right to know is vital to an accountable, citizen-centered government. Simply put, we are entitled to be fully informed, with an open and accessible government, at all levels, in virtually all circumstances.

Government is not created independent of the people. Rather, it is founded on the people's authority and exists for their benefit. That ideal is reinforced in the Texas Public Information Act, which says that the people "do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know." Instead, people have the right to know what their government is doing.

Every citizen is entitled to a prompt and appropriate response to an open records request. To help make sure of that, my office has prepared this Public Information Act Handbook, including updates reflecting actions of the 78^th Texas Legislature. It is an effective tool for everyone who wants a better understanding of the law and how to comply with it.

A familiarity with this handbook will assist in complying with the Public Information Act and should reduce the potential for enforcement actions for noncompliance.

Our task is clear: To make sure that all requests and responses made under the Public Information Act comply with the law. We look forward to working with you to ensure that task is accomplished.

Sincerely,

Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas

2004 Public Information Handbook

A Preface to the Public Information Handbook

PART ONE: How the Public Information Act Works

I.        Overview
II.       Entities Subject to the Public Information Act
III.      Information Subject to the Public Information Act
IV.      Procedures for Access to Public Information
V.       Disclosure to Selected Persons
VI.      Attorney General Determines Whether Information Is Subject to an Exception
VII.     Cost of Copies and Access
VIII.    Penalties and Remedies
IX.       Preservation and Destruction of Records
X.        Public Information Act Distinguished from Certain Other Statutes

PART TWO: Exceptions to Disclosure

I.        Preliminary Matters
II.       Exceptions

PART THREE: Text of the Texas Public Information Act

Government Code Chapter 552

Appendix A: Rule 12 of Texas Rules of Judicial Administration
Appendix B: Public Information Act Deadlines for Governmental Bodies
Appendix C: Notice Statement to Persons Whose Proprietary Information Is Requested
Appendix D: Public Access Option Form